The Panamanian ship registry says it has removed an oil tanker from its books due to its ties to North Korea.

In a statement to NK News, the Panama registry says it deregistered the 8008-tonne KOYA oil tanker last month.

Vessels must be flagged to a country if they wish to sail internationally, though some registries such as Panama’s allow foreign companies to purchase their flag.

The KOYA’s sister ship, the KOTI, was seized by the South Korean authorities in December last year for breaching UN resolutions.

The KOTI was involved in transferring fuel products to North Korea at sea, contrary